In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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Expand your child's library with some of the best toddler-age books. Our lineup includes something for everyone.
We've got the scoop on toddler books! Each one in our review was researched, purchased, and hands-on tested, ensuring we bring you the best picks for your little ones.
By Molly Bradac ⋅ Senior Review Analyst ⋅ May 20, 2024
The Best Toddler Books
Are you on the hunt for engaging reads for your favorite 2-year-old? Reviewing the 15 top toddler books has led us to some bookshelf gems. We combed through the vast world of children's literature, carefully selecting top contenders for hands-on testing to find the best. After lots of reading (and re-reading) with toddlers, we evaluated each book for format and features that capture those little attention spans. So, gear up for laughter and lots of “read it again!” requests.
Fuel your child's passion for reading early on - think of books as the superfood for those blossoming young minds! If you're after captivating stories for older kids and preschoolers, we've got the lowdown in our reviews. For parents on the lookout for extra gear to boost their toddler's independence, check out a time-to-wake toddler clock and step stool to help them conquer new heights.
Editor's Note: We've refreshed this review as of May 20, 2024. We added new books to the lineup and double-checked the current product availability.
The Pout-Pout Fish is a fishy tale starring Mr. Fish, who feels a bit glum, spreading the “dreary-wearies” all around. Other sea pals notice Mr. Fish's mood and offer advice on how to turn his frown upside down. Will Mr. Fish cheer up? Swim through the pages to find out. The repetitive text is irresistibly catchy, which is something toddlers often enjoy. We also like the illustrations of underwater sea life.
This book may become monotonous for some parents due to its repetitive structure. Another standout favorite, Love Makes A Family, departs from rhyming lines and offers concise text and bright illustrations. But, the jolly rhythm of The Pout-Pout Fish has a charming side effect; toddlers seem to naturally memorize and recite lines alongside the reader. Overall, we consider The Pout-Pout Fish a keeper and one to select if you enjoy melodic rhyming.
The Pout-Pout Fish is a toddler-approved book in our reading lineup.
Love Makes a Family is a quick and delightful read with modern warmth. This book is all about families and the most important ingredient - love. Whether a family has two moms, two dads, one parent, or a blend of both, this sweet book highlights those precious moments that make hearts happy. The bright and fun pictures catch little eyes and show how different families can be.
We acknowledge that diverse family structures may elicit varied reactions, especially if views differ. For those drawn to classics with nostalgia, Goodnight Moon is a solid choice. Nevertheless, Love Makes A Family shines as a true gem in our toddler book collection. It beautifully and simply reminds children of the love surrounding them daily.
Love Makes a Family is a heartwarming read for toddlers, emphasizing love and togetherness.
If supporting your child's vocabulary is a top priority, consider First 100 Box Set. It's great for little learners and talkers. The set includes three books, each filled with pictures of familiar objects and routines. Toddlers enjoy relatable content, and the colorful photos are visually engaging without overwhelming them with too many words. The books are sturdy, and we think they offer long-term value.
Ditching a storyline, this set focuses on vocabulary, helping children learn and practice words. If you're searching for a more interactive book supporting toddlers in vocabulary learning, Where's Spot? involves lifting flaps. Despite its upfront cost, we think the First 100 Box Set is a well-rounded option that's worth the investment.
The First 100 box set is budget-friendly, combining learning and fun for toddlers.
There's a good reason why Goodnight Moon has been a classic bedtime story since its debut in 1947. This sleepy tale (in a good way!) is about a young bunny snug in bed, saying “goodnight” to various objects. By the story's end, the lights are out, the moon is high, and the little bunny whispers, “Goodnight stars. Goodnight air. Goodnight noises everywhere.” This story unfolds like a gentle lullaby, and voices tend to soften when reading aloud until the final page. The book's illustrations alternate between bold and monochrome colors, and some toddlers enjoy spotting familiar objects around the room. As an added element of fun, spot the little mouse hiding around the green room.
Goodnight Moon is celebrated for its calming and soothing tone, especially with its unvarying color palette. It's great to help children wind down and prepare for sleep. We suggest exploring Giraffes Can't Dance for those seeing a more energetic read with a different pace. Overall, Goodnight Moon is a beloved choice that brings comfort and tranquility to bedtime.
Other Bedtime Books
If you seek other bedtime books, consider exploring Guess How Much I Love You and Good Night, Gorilla. These toddler-age books are popular among the younger crowd and are great additions to your nightly routine.
Goodnight Moon is a classic, well-loved bedtime story.
What's not to love about Bodies Are Cool? This book is one of our favorites for it's a celebration of bodies, regardless of shape, size, skin color, and unique flair. The positive vibes and lively sense throughout make it a joy to read. While toddlers might not catch every detail, the book's upbeat vibes and lively illustrations are some of our favorites and foster understanding and embracing diversity. Setting the stage for a positive self-image early on boosts a child's confidence as they grow.
Some might not be into the book's open-minded approach to diversity, but we think it's pretty cool. The idea of embracing everyone's uniqueness makes the world friendlier and more understanding. Another book that embraces diversity is Love Makes A Family. It would be great to have this book in a sturdy board book format so you can worry less about pages getting destroyed when you hand it over to a toddler. Nevertheless, it's a feel-good book that's hard not to love.
Bodies Are Cool celebrates and promotes a positive perspective on different body types.
Babies love the lift-the-flap feature in Where's Spot?. It's not just a story; it's a hide-and-seek game with Spot, a mischievous but adorable puppy. The flaps add an extra layer of fun that never gets old, and little readers spend lots of time searching for Spot. This book is great for toddlers with short attention spans. If you're ready for more flap-flipping fun, check out Where is Baby's Belly Button?
For a different interactive experience, consider Press Here. Otherwise, the flaps may show wear and tear over time, but we see it as a small gamble worth taking. The joy and benefits of babies playing and exploring books outweigh the potential for wear. We believe Where's Spot? is perfect for your toddler's first lift-the-flap book, and your child will be excited as they discover the surprises beneath.
Toddlers love the lift-the-flap feature in Where's Spot?
Press Here is a brilliant and unique interactive book that provides screen-free entertainment. Follow the instructions and let the magic begin as dots move, change colors, multiply, and grow. The real mystery? Can the yellow dot return to its normal self? The anticipation builds as you explore the pages.
A toddler may need some assistance here and there to master the dot-powered magic, but it won't take long before mastery. This delightful book turns reading time into an interactive adventure for little ones and their grown-ups. We believe it is a must-have book for your toddler's reading list. Where's Spot? and Where is Baby's Belly Button? are other interactive books for little ones with flip-the-flap fun.
Press Here is a fun interactive book most suitable for toddlers and up.
The Good Night, Little Blue Truck is not only fun to read aloud (thanks to its rollicking rhymes), but it also shares an adorable tale of friendship and helping others, especially during a storm that is creating some racket. We are sure this book with whimsical illustrations will leave you and your child smiling. If your child is a fan of Little Blue Truck, there are plenty more books to read, like Little Blue Truck Leads the Way, available in hardcover and board book formats.
We don't see any significant drawbacks with this book. It is a hardcover book, which can be more fragile than board books. Besides that, if you're looking for a popular book to add to your child's bedtime routine, we suggest giving this one a go. Goodnight Moon is another option that works for nighttime and creating bedtime routines.
Blue Hat, Green Hat may be simple, but it is silly, and toddlers delight in yelling, “Oops!” Every animal tries on clothing, each wearing a different color; however, the last animal can't get it right and messes up the pattern. This adorable story is written and illustrated by Sandra Boynton, and the illustrations are charming and simplistic; plus, they teach about colors and clothing in a silly way. We think Sandra Boynton is a talented children's literature author and illustrator, especially for this age group. If you agree, you may also like Moo, Baa, La La La! and Doggies.
The book is a quick read, but the story will keep you and your child smiling. If you seek humor, this amusing book is perfect for younger audiences, and it is a book we often read with our little ones during storytime.
Giraffes Can't Dance is a tale about individuality, confidence, and overcoming challenges. At the jungle dance, the warthog's waltz, the rhinos rock 'n' rolled, the lions tango, but Gerald, the giraffe, is clumsy and can't seem to dance. Will Gerald find his rhythm? This book offers humor, rhyming lines with a catchy cadence, and colorful illustrations full of details.
The story is longer than other books in our review, making it more fitting for children with a longer attention span, such as older toddlers or preschoolers. Besides, it's an endearing story that we think you will love. The Wide-Mouthed Frog is also a sweet book with animal characters that could appeal to those who like silly animal antics.
Giraffes Can't Dance offers an uplifting message through its lyrical and engaging text.
Format: Board Book | Authors: Janet and Allan Ahlberg
REASONS TO BUY
Beautiful illustrations
An excellent introduction to 'I spy'
REASONS TO AVOID
British book, which may influence rhyming
Each Peach Pear Plum is a pure delight and a British classic. Written in an 'I spy' format, spot beloved fairy tale characters hiding in the illustrations, from Tom Thumb to Cinderella, and more. We think this book is a must-have with rhyming words and Mother Goose nostalgia for caregivers. The interactive hide-and-seek concept adds an extra layer of fun, making it perfect for shared reading moments.
A few rhymes may call for a stab at a British accent to hear the rhyming. Who knows, it may make you giggle - but there's nothing wrong with that. We recommend this timeless book to all ages and think it earns a well-deserved spot on your toddler's bookshelf. If your little one enjoys silliness, Giraffes Can't Dance could be a more joyful choice.
Each Peach Pear Plum is a classic story with Mother Goose characters hiding in the illustrations.
Baby Goes to Market shows the hustle and bustle of an African market. As baby and mama stroll through the market, various vendors are drawn to the adorable baby and offer treats. The book introduces simple counting concepts, and the illustrations capture the atmosphere of the market. We think parents will enjoy the engaging and educational experience this book offers.
Some parents prefer sturdier board books, especially for young toddlers who may be prone to tearing pages, and this book is typically available in hardcover or paperback. It's always a good idea to consider the preferences and developmental stage of your child when choosing a book format. But we enjoyed this book and loved the bustling atmosphere of the African market. Antiracist Baby and Bodies are Cool are other books we love for the introduction of diversity.
As Mama strolls through the African market, vendors can't resist the adorable baby and offer treats along the way.
The Mitten is a Ukrainian folktale retold and illustrated by Jan Brett. A little boy named Nicki accidentally drops one of his white mittens in the snow, and curious critters of all sizes come to investigate. Will Nicki find his mitten again? This book has beautiful, intricate illustrations. We also enjoyed that the page's borders have a subplot featuring Nicki wandering around the woods. This storytelling technique is unique to the author, and it offers an extra layer of detail.
The detailed illustrations, while stunning, could be a tad overwhelming for some young readers. Also, clocking in as a longer read, The Mitten may not be your go-to choice for a quick bedtime story. For bedtime stories, Goodnight Moon is hard to beat with a soothing routine of wishing things goodnight. But The Mitten book is timeless and a delight to read.
Look closely at each page's borders for clues to guess what will happen next in The Mitten.
The Wide-Mouthed Frog is curious about what the other creatures like to eat until he meets the alligator… “splash!” The pop-up illustrations are large and capture the attention of readers. We also like the educational lesson of learning what other animals eat is a perk.
Some readers might find the story too short, and while pop-up illustrations are a delight, their fragility may be a drawback, especially for younger toddlers who may not the book with care. But don't let these flaws stop you. We believe reading and using a book is more important than allowing it to collect dust on a bookshelf. This funny pop-up book is fun. Giraffes Can't Dance is another good animal book with an endearing character kids love.
The Wide-Mouthed Frog is an excellent pop-up book with a funny ending.
Written with young readers in mind, Antiracist Baby packs a powerful punch against racism. Through simple language and colorful illustrations, this book introduces the concepts of fairness and equality. It's all about sparking those early conversations about treating everyone right, no matter their skin color.
This book may be everyone's cup of tea in terms of introducing concepts of racism at an early age, and it can lean heavily on caregiver interaction to discuss the book's themes. Bodies Are Cool is also a book that introduces diversity for those wanting more with this theme. However, we think it's a worthy addition for parents who want to stock their baby's library with books on diversity and inclusion.
Antiracist Baby breaks it down through simple words to show even the littlest readers, like toddlers, how we can stand up against racism.
Credit: Molly Bradac
Tip for Wiggly Toddlers
If your wiggly toddler has a short attention span and struggles to sit still for storytime, don't fret. There's no need to finish each book. Instead, frequently read quick and simple books before building up to longer stories.
We tested each book by reading to little ones and gauging their interest level and engagement.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
How We Tested Toddler Books
BabyGearLab has tested various child-related gear over the past decade, including the best car seats, strollers for every occasion, products for your baby's nursery, and more. We develop extensive testing methods for each gear category we test to determine the best. We believe the combination of our experiences and knowledge has made us experts. BabyGearLab purchased each book for our review and completed hands-on testing (lots and lots of reading and page-turning) to evaluate toddler enjoyment.
Why Trust GearLab
Leading this review is Molly Bradac, Senior Review Editor and a key member of the BabyGearLab team. With her background as a seasoned nanny and former Early Learning Specialist for AmeriCorps, Molly is well-versed in the world of toddler books. Having read an abundance of children's books, she has witnessed firsthand the impact of captivating books on little minds. Guided by Molly's expert insights, this review presents a carefully curated selection of toddler books that go beyond the ordinary. Given the likelihood that your toddler will request their favorite book repeatedly, why not choose one that's exceptional?
The First 100 box set focuses on introducing toddlers to vocabulary in a clear, colorful manner.
The Wide-Mouthed Frog is an entertaining but short book.
Analysis and Test Results
We carefully evaluated each contender to determine our lineup rankings of toddler books, focusing on captivating features and stories that resonate with the younger audience. Also, we considered the book format, and while this did not influence rankings, our goal is to provide insights to help you choose what option best suits your specific needs.
Books with flaps are fun and entertaining for younger children.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Features
Selecting an engaging and interactive book can contribute to your child's enjoyment and comprehension of a book. Various features can include liftable flaps, pop-up illustrations, rhythmic lines and repetition, humor, and visually stimulating illustrations. We took this into consideration when evaluating the competition.
Where's Spot? has flaps to lift, making it fun for toddlers as they search for the cute puppy. This feature keeps little ones engaged and helps with their motor skills. Even if they spend time playing with the flaps, it's a beneficial and enjoyable activity. Each Peach Pear Plum turns reading into a game of hide-and-seek as toddlers find beloved characters on the pages. Similarly, Goodnight Moon has a sneaky mouse for toddlers to find, adding a fun twist to the story. With Press Here, toddlers can press, tap, and follow the instructions, making reading a playful, interactive reading experience.
Books in our lineup with rhythmic lines and repetition include The Pout-Pout Fish, Good Night, Little Blue Truck, and Giraffes Can't Dance. We think these books are enjoyable for parents and toddlers, and if your child enjoys reading them over and over again, we don't think you'll mind. Repetition through the same phrases or patterns can make a book more engaging and easier for toddlers to follow. It also helps memory retention and language acquisition.
Humor in toddler books, like “Blue Hat, Green Hat,” keeps it simple with elements of repetition, surprise, and relatable situations.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
For lots of laughs (a big selling point for babies and toddlers), try Blue Hat, Green Hat. This funny book features a silly turkey who keeps getting dressed the wrong way. This book also folds in repetition, making it easy for toddlers to follow along. The Wide-Mouthed Frog is the only book in our lineup with pop-up illustrations, and the ending is a bit unexpected and humorous. The pages come to life with three-dimensional images, entertaining most toddlers.
Books that celebrate family relationships, like “Love Makes a Family,” can resonate with toddlers.
Credit: Molly Bradac
Even if some books lack interactive features, they can still captivate young readers through colorful, bright illustrations, as seen in Love Makes a Family. This can hold the attention of toddlers and contribute to their overall enjoyment of the book.
Regardless of which books you choose, we recommend offering a diverse selection of books with exciting features. Also, if your child is curious about a topic or a particular book, offer them similar books to keep them engaged. In our opinion, nurturing a love of books and reading starts early.
The Wide-Mouthed Frog has large pop-ups that bring the story to life.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Book Format
When picking a book for your toddler, choose what book format works best for your child and goals, but don't stress too much about it. In our review, you can find different types like board books, hardcovers, and paperbacks. For little ones who are not super gentle, opt for sturdy board books. They have thicker pages that are easy for small hands to hold and can handle a bit of drool and chewing. As fine motor skills develop, toddlers will master the art of turning pages, an exciting milestone in their reading journey. In comparison to board books, hardcovers and paperbacks are a bit more delicate, with thin pages that can rip or crease. However, they'll likely last through the toddler years, and there's always tape to fix a torn page. If a book has flaps or pop-ups, be a little more mindful of their delicate nature. But, even if they show some wear, the fun and learning greatly outweigh a book that has experienced lots of reading.
Benefits of Reading
The human brain is truly amazing as it develops at an extraordinary rate during the beginning years of a child's life; in fact, science shows that 80 percent of a child's brain forms during their first three years. Reading to your child significantly impacts their development within this window of time. It creates neural connections, and those brain connections strengthen, link, and build over time, setting the stage for everyday life tasks, such as thinking, communicating, learning, etc., creating success in school and beyond. Plus, the benefits don't stop there. Reading is a bonding experience between caregiver and child, providing a safe and nurturing environment that promotes a love of reading. So, don't hesitate or feel silly while reading, singing, and playing with your child, even if they're a little newborn. Interactions during these early years are rich in learning and can make all the difference.
A Note on Repetition
Read, sing, and play over and over again. Repetition is an essential part of your child's learning journey. And as your children grow don't forget about the Best Children's Books and the Best Kids Books.
Board books are a good place to start for toddlers who are still learning how to be gentle with paper pages.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Conclusion
With many children's books to choose from, we believe our review includes top-notch books that will help build your child's book collection. Children who enjoy shared book reading often become lifelong readers, so snuggle up with your little one and read away.
